Ballycroy in County Mayo

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Ballycroy is located on the N59 road midway between Bangor and Mulranny. Although with a population of less than one thousand, Ballycroy has an industrious and progressive community spirit with many amenities including a busy community centre, youth activities, sailing and athletics clubs.

Ballycroy has 2 pubs, the landmark ‘Cleary’s pub’ and grocery shop, which was used during the filming of "The Ballroom of Romance" (1981), and the more recently built ‘Inn 59’ pub.

Sailing

One of Ireland’s most scenic sailing experiences is the sea area from Bellacragher Bay to Innisbiggle Island to Achill Sound. Sheltered by Achill Island, it is accessable for boating in most conditions and there are a number of uninhabited islands and vast stretches of empty coastline along the way.

Fishing / Angling

For salmon and sea trout fishing, the Owenduff and the Tarsaghaunmore rivers are famed as excellent game fishery rivers. During the early Spring months, Ballycroy experiences a unique run of salmon which makes for excellent fishing.

The nature of the Ballycroy coastline makes it more suited for inshore fishing for species such as pollack, cod, bass and dogfish. The best fishing grounds off Ballycroy are north of Bulls Mouth, between Inishbiggle and Achill, where the fishing is outstanding and the islanders always ensure a warm welcome for any visitors and are happy to advise on fishing locations/tackle, tide races, etc.

Ballycroy National Park

Ballycroy National Park, established in November 1998, is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located, with a Visitor Centre, in the village of Ballycroy on the N59 road between Mulranny and Bangor. With an area of 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, the Park covers a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is home to a large variety of important habitats and species.

Access to the National Park can be gained by walking along the Bangor Trail, which itself has a long history possibly dating back to 16th century.

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